S960Q is a high-strength quenched and tempered structural steel. It belongs to the EN 10025-6 standard, with a minimum yield strength of 960 MPa. Suitable for heavy-duty structures like cranes and bridges, offering excellent weldability and toughness.
EN10025-6 S960Q quenched and tempered steel plate Chemical composition
| Grade | C % | Si % | Mn % | P % | S % | N % | B % | Cr % |
| S960Q | 0.200 | 0.800 | 1.700 | 0.025 | 0.015 | 0.015 | 0.005 | 1.500 |
| Cu % | Mo % | Nb % | Ni % | Ti % | V % | Zr % | ||
| 0.500 | 0.700 | 0.060 | 2.000 | 0.050 | 0.120 | 0.150 |
EN10025-6 S960Q quenched and tempered steel plate mechanical properties
| Grade | Thickness(mm) | Min Yield (Mpa) | Tensile(MPa) | Elongation (%) | Min Impact Energy | |
| S960Q | 8mm-50mm | Min 960Mpa | 980-1150Mpa | 10% | -20 | Min 30J |
| 51mm-100mm | Min 910Mpa | 920-1000Mpa | 10% | -20 | Min 30J | |
| 101mm-150mm | Min 860Mpa | 870-980Mpa | 10% | -20 | Min 30J |
processing
1. Cutting
Laser Cutting: Preferred for high precision and minimal heat-affected zones (HAZ). It is highly efficient for thicknesses up to 20mm and can penetrate up to 60mm with proper beveling.
Plasma Cutting: Commonly used for thicker plates due to its high speed, though it creates a larger HAZ than laser cutting. Modern CNC plasma systems are cost-effective for structural parts.
Waterjet Cutting: Ideal when thermal distortion must be completely avoided, as it uses abrasion rather than heat. It is slower but maintains the material's original properties perfectly.
2. Welding
S960Q has good weldability but is sensitive to heat input.
Heat Input Control: It is crucial to strictly limit heat input to prevent softening of the HAZ and preserve mechanical strength.
Preheating: Necessary for thicker sections to prevent hydrogen-induced cracking. Typical preheat temperatures range from 125°C to 200°C depending on plate thickness.
Consumables: Low-hydrogen filler metals (e.g., solid or flux-cored wires) are recommended to reduce the risk of cold cracking.
3. Forming and Bending
Cold Forming: S960Q can be cold-formed, but it requires significantly higher force than standard structural steel due to its 960 MPa yield strength.
Bending Radius: Larger internal bending radii are required compared to lower-strength grades to avoid cracking at the outer tension zone.
Springback: Designers must account for substantial "springback" during the bending process.
4. Heat Treatment
Post-Weld Heat Treatment (PWHT): Generally not recommended unless at temperatures below the tempering temperature, as excessive heat can cause a loss of strength.
Hot Forming: Generally avoided; if required, the material must be re-quenched and tempered to restore its original properties.
applications
1. Construction & Infrastructure
S960Q is a critical material for long-span and high-load civil engineering projects:
Bridges & Footbridges: Used in segments like stiffened box girders for footbridges (e.g., the Fanling North project) to reduce self-weight and foundation pile requirements.
High-Rise Buildings: Ideal for structural framing, columns, and transfer beams in skyscrapers to maximize floor space.
Large-Scale Facilities: Applied in roof trusses and framing for sports stadiums, exhibition centers, and airports to support long spans without internal bracing.
Seismic Structures: Its high strength and ductility are used in earthquake-resistant designs to absorb seismic forces.
2. Heavy Machinery & Equipment
The material's durability and high loading capacity make it essential for "yellow goods" and industrial machinery:
Lifting Equipment: Critical for crane booms, dipper sticks, and heavy-duty lifting structures.
Mining & Earthmoving: Used in excavator buckets, bulldozers, and mining machinery to withstand extreme impact and high loads.
Forestry: Employed in forest harvesters where low structural weight is necessary for mobility in harsh terrain.
3. Transportation & Automotive
S960Q facilitates the development of lightweight transportation systems to reduce fuel consumption and emissions:
Heavy Vehicles: Construction of truck chassis, trailers, and frame rails for heavy-duty and light commercial vehicles.
Railway: Used for railway components and passenger car structural body components.
Specialized Logistics: Applicable for intermodal shipping containers and bulk transport equipment.
4. Energy & Marine
Offshore Engineering: Utilized in oil rigs, offshore platforms, and shipbuilding where both strength and toughness are required to resist harsh sea conditions.
Pressure Vessels: Applied in the fabrication of unfired pressure vessels, turbine scroll cases, and penstocks.
Sustainable Energy: Emerging use in support structures for green infrastructure and next-generation power plants.
Full specification and details are available on request. The above information is provided for guidance purposes only. For specific design requirements please contact our technical sales staff.
How to inspect the quality of S960Q?
Quality inspection of S960Q includes chemical composition analysis, mechanical tests (tensile, impact, hardness), and non-destructive testing (ultrasonic, radiographic) to detect internal defects.
What is the temperature range for S960Q service?
S960Q is suitable for service temperatures from -40℃ to 200℃. Beyond this range, its mechanical properties may degrade, so high or low-temperature applications need special evaluation.
Is S960Q a quenched and tempered steel?
Yes, S960Q is a quenched and tempered steel. Quenching heats it to high temperature and cools rapidly, while tempering reduces brittleness, achieving a balance of high strength and toughness.
Can S960Q be machined?
Yes, S960Q can be machined, but it has higher hardness than mild steel. Use sharp tools, appropriate cutting speed, and cooling lubricants to improve machining efficiency and tool life.
What is the weight per square meter of S960Q plate?
The weight per square meter is calculated as thickness (mm) × 7.85 kg/m². For example, a 10 mm thick plate weighs 78.5 kg/m², same as other steels with 7.85 g/cm³ density.
What is the difference between S960Q and S700MC?
S960Q is quenched and tempered (EN 10025-6) with 960 MPa yield strength. S700MC is hot-rolled (EN 10149-2) with 700 MPa yield strength. S960Q offers higher strength for heavier loads.
Can S960Q be used in crane manufacturing?
Yes, S960Q is widely used in crane manufacturing. Its high strength reduces the weight of crane booms and frames, improving load capacity and operational efficiency while ensuring safety.
What is the carbon content of S960Q?
S960Q has a maximum carbon content of 0.20%. Low carbon content ensures weldability and toughness, while alloying elements compensate to achieve the high 960 MPa yield strength.
Does S960Q need surface treatment?
Surface treatment is not mandatory but recommended for corrosion protection. Options include painting, powder coating, or galvanizing, especially for outdoor or harsh-environment applications.
What is the supply condition of S960Q?
S960Q is supplied in quenched and tempered (Q&T) condition. Suppliers provide test certificates (EN 10204 3.1 or 3.2) to confirm compliance with mechanical and chemical property requirements.